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Director Lab Operations Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Genomics Lab Technician

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$19.50 - $26/hr

Sequencing & Equipment Operation: Operate state-of-the-art sequencing platforms (including Illumina ... of the Facility Director. * Sample Quality Control: Utilize advanced QC equipment including ...

Guided by our vision to help researchers rapidly move from the lab to life-changing advances, we ... The Director of Operations Strategy leads operational strategy and execution across PMO, ...

Showing results 41-60

Director Lab Operations information

What does a director of lab operations do?

A Director of Lab Operations oversees the daily management and strategic direction of laboratory facilities. Their responsibilities include supervising lab staff, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards, managing budgets, and optimizing workflow efficiency. They also play a key role in implementing new technologies, maintaining equipment, and collaborating with other departments to support research or clinical goals. This position typically requires strong leadership skills and experience in scientific or clinical laboratory environments.

What are some of the biggest challenges a director of lab operations might face in managing multidisciplinary teams?

A Director of Lab Operations often oversees teams with diverse scientific backgrounds and expertise, which can present challenges in ensuring effective communication and collaboration. Balancing competing priorities, such as meeting research goals while maintaining compliance with safety and quality standards, is also common. Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing technologies and regulatory requirements requires strong leadership and the ability to foster ongoing professional development within the team. Building a cohesive culture and aligning team efforts with broader organizational objectives are key to success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of lab operations, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Lab Operations, you need a robust background in laboratory science, operational management experience, and typically a relevant advanced degree such as a PhD or MSc. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), regulatory compliance standards (e.g., CLIA, CAP), and quality control protocols is essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help drive team performance and foster a culture of safety and efficiency. These competencies are crucial for ensuring high-quality results, regulatory compliance, and effective lab operations.

What is the difference between Director Lab Operations vs Laboratory Manager?

AspectDirector Lab OperationsLaboratory Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in a science or related field, often with advanced degrees and leadership experienceUsually requires a bachelor's degree in a science or related field, with some roles preferring a master's
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple labs or departments, strategic planning, and high-level operationsManages daily lab activities, staff, and workflow within a specific lab or department
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large biotech, pharmaceutical, and research organizationsFound in hospitals, clinical labs, and smaller research facilities

The main difference is that the Director Lab Operations focuses on strategic oversight and high-level management across multiple labs, while the Laboratory Manager handles daily operations and staff within a specific lab. Both roles require strong scientific knowledge, but the director position emphasizes leadership and planning.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab Operations jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Lab Operations jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Lab Operations jobs in Illinois?

For Director Lab Operations jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Lab Operations jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Lab Operations jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Director Lab Operations jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Director Lab Operations job openings:

Laboratory Contracting & Sourcing Director

Chicago, IL โ€ข Hybrid

Vizient
Health Care and Social Assistanceย โ€ขย 501 - 1,000 employees

$102K - $179K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

When you're the best, we're the best. We instill an environment where employees feel engaged, satisfied and able to contribute their unique skills and talents while living and working as their authentic selves. We provide extensive opportunities for personal and professional development, building both employee competence and organizational capability to fuel exceptional performance through an inclusive environment both now and in the future.

Summary:

In this role, you will serve as the strategic sourcing subject matter expert and trusted advisor for complex healthcare sourcing initiatives that deliver measurable financial, operational, and clinical value. You will lead enterprise sourcing projects, negotiate supplier agreements, develop sourcing strategies, and facilitate value analysis initiatives that support client and organizational priorities. You will provide strategic expertise in the Laboratory category, partnering with laboratory professionals, clinicians, physicians, and supply chain leaders to support evidence-based sourcing and contracting decisions. You will collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to drive decision-making, optimize supplier performance, and influence successful implementation of sourcing solutions through strategic leadership and advanced market expertise.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop sourcing strategies that align client priorities, organizational objectives, and market opportunities.

  • Lead the complete sourcing lifecycle, including business requirements, market assessments, RFIs, RFPs, supplier evaluations, negotiations, contract development, implementation planning, and post-award activities.

  • Negotiate complex contractual, operational, service, and financial agreements with suppliers on behalf of clients.

  • Evaluate supplier capabilities, financial stability, innovation, and market positioning to develop strategic sourcing recommendations.

  • Partner with legal, contracting, finance, and operational stakeholders to resolve complex sourcing and contracting issues.

  • Lead multidisciplinary value analysis committees and facilitate stakeholder alignment to support evidence-based sourcing decisions.

  • Present sourcing strategies, financial analyses, supplier recommendations, and implementation plans to executive leadership.

  • Analyze spend, utilization, supplier, operational, market, and financial data to identify sourcing opportunities, mitigate risk, and develop business recommendations.

  • Measure and communicate sourcing outcomes, including savings, value realization, quality improvements, supply assurance, and implementation success.

  • Apply advanced AI fluency to improve business strategy, complex analysis, stakeholder communications, and decision-making while promoting the effective and responsible use of AI.

Qualifications:

  • Relevant degree preferred.

  • 7 or more years of relevant experience required, with laboratory experience strongly preferred, including work as a Medical Technologist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Medical Laboratory Technician, or in a related clinical laboratory, diagnostics, or laboratory operations role; experience in a healthcare provider, group purchasing organization, consulting, or other highly regulated industry is also preferred.

  • Demonstrated success independently leading complex enterprise sourcing initiatives with laboratory diagnostics, analyzers, automation, reagents, reference laboratory services, lab operations, or clinical testing initiatives preferred.

  • Strong experience negotiating complex supplier agreements and commercial contracts.

  • Experience facilitating cross-functional stakeholder committees and building consensus among clinical and operational leaders.

  • Advanced analytical, communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship management skills.

  • Demonstrated advanced AI fluency with the ability to effectively leverage and critically evaluate AI solutions in complex business environments.

  • This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring three days per week in the office. Office locations include Irving, TX, Chicago, IL and Centennial, CO.

  • Willingness to travel.

Estimated Hiring Range:

At Vizient, we consider skills, experience, and organizational needs in our compensation approach. Geographic factors may adjust the range estimate and hires typically fall below the top range. Compensation decisions are tailored to individual circumstances. The current salary range for this role is $102,400.00 to $179,000.00.

This position is also incentive eligible.

Vizient has a comprehensive benefits plan! Please view our benefits here:

http://www.vizientinc.com/about-us/careers

Equal Opportunity Employer: Females/Minorities/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The Company is committed to equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, gender identity, ethnicity, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status or any other category protected by applicable law.